Flagship GR Sport Brings Rally-Inspired Performance to Hilux Range in September
July 28, 2023
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The legendary Toyota HiLux is set to reach new heights in September with the arrival of the new GR Sport flagship variant, bringing a raft of mechanical and visual upgrades over the rest of the 4×4 dual-cab pick-up range.
Enhancements include the most powerful diesel engine yet seen in a HiLux, an upgraded suspension system and new styling elements, with the HiLux GR Sport arriving in showrooms priced from $73,990 plus on-road costs1.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new GR Sport would take the performance of the HiLux range to new levels.
“With input from Australian engineers and designers and comprehensive enhancements inside and out, the HiLux GR Sport makes Australia’s favourite ute even more appealing,” Mr Hanley said.
“Australians love powerful and capable pick-ups, and the HiLux GR Sport certainly delivers on that brief.”
The HiLux GR Sport sits on the same “wide-track” platform as the HiLux Rogue, with a 15mm increase in height and a track width increase of 135mm front and 155mm rear, compared with the rest of the core HiLux range.2
A different front coil and rear leaf spring tuning further differentiates the GR Sport, and it is equipped with KYB monotube shock absorbers featuring a larger piston diameter. The removal of the rear sway bar also promotes greater axle articulation and ground contact over uneven surfaces.
Off-road traction is improved with the fitment of 265/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler AT tyres, wrapped around unique black 17-inch Dakar style alloy wheels.
Disc brakes on all four corners help greatly improve stopping power, with 338mm x 28mm four-piston fixed calipers at the front and 312mm x 18mm single-piston floating calipers at the rear, finished in red for an extra visual effect.
Enhanced visual elements are present throughout the vehicle, starting at the front with a unique black mesh grille contrasted with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering and a GR badge.
A redesigned front bumper delivers an improved approach angle compared to the core HiLux range, and features new fog lamp bezels and a silver lower moulding which sits above a uniquely developed skid plate for extra underbody protection.
Large black overfenders help house the increased track width and feature aero ducts at the front that help to reduce turbulence in the wheelarches.
Powder-coated heavy-duty rock rails made of 2mm thick steel help protect the door sills and vehicle underbody, even when the vehicle is fully laden.
At the rear, red recovery points and a black rear bumper finish the exterior look, and are paired with a pre-installed towbar, towball and trailer wiring harness.
Inside the cabin, the HiLux GR Sport gains a number of sporty enhancements compared to the rest of the range, starting with a rally-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel complete with paddle shifters, red center stripe and GR logo.
GR logos are also found on the unique front sports seats upholstered in a mix of leather accented and suede trim, matched with grey stitching and red seat belts.
Aluminium pedals, a new ‘Technical Mesh’ dashboard ornamentation, a unique GR Sport shift lever and all-weather floor mats provide further visual differentiation, while the GR Sport’s audio experience is lifted by the fitment of a nine-speaker JBL®3 premium audio system.
The GR Sport arrives in Australia as the most powerful diesel HiLux to date, with the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine fettled to produce 165kW/550Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which has been tuned to support the extra engine power and torque.
Five exterior colours will be offered, reflective of the GAZOO Racing palette – Glacier White, Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black and Feverish Red – with Glacier White, Frosted White and Feverish Red also available with the option of a black-paintedroof.4
Full specification details will be announced when the HiLux GR Sport arrives in Australia in September.
